His master had turned sorcerer in his old
age. Ali said that often when Tuan Putih had retired for the night he
could hear him talking to something in his room. Ali thought that it was
a spirit in the shape of a child. He knew his master spoke to a child
from certain expressions and words his master used. His master spoke in
Malay a little, but mostly in English, which he, Ali, could understand.
Master spoke to the child at times tenderly, then he would weep over it,
laugh at it, scold it, beg of it to go away; curse it. It was a bad and
stubborn spirit. Ali thought his master had imprudently called it up,
and now could not get rid of it. His master was very brave; he was not
afraid to curse this spirit in the very Presence; and once he fought with
it. Ali had heard a great noise as of running about inside the room and
groans. His master groaned. Spirits do not groan. His master was
brave, but foolish. You cannot hurt a spirit. Ali expected to find his
master dead next morning, but he came out very early, looking much older
than the day before, and had no food all day.
So far Ali to the settlement. To Captain Ford he was much more
communicative, for the good reason that Captain Ford had the purse and
gave orders.
Pages:
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276